Elinore S. Lean Obituary
Nee Soetebeer), aged 88. Passed away peacefully at home at Newcastle Place, Mequon on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 surrounded by her family members. She is greatly missed by her two children, Ann, of Fairfield, California, and Bill, of Madison, and one granddaughter, Kristen, of Carbondale, Illinois. Many nieces, nephews, and dear friends also mourn her passing. Her loving husband of 65 years, John, passed away in March, 2022, and she missed him terribly. She was predeceased by her parents and older sister Gladys (James) Krei, and older brother, John William Soetebeer.
Elinore was born in Park Falls, Wisconsin on September 20, 1933 to William Albert and Emma Caroline Soetebeer. She graduated from Phillips High School in 1951. She attended Stout State (now UW Stout) for one year, and transferred to Wisconsin State College - Milwaukee (now UWM), graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Upper Elementary Education. Elinore was a member of the Alpha Delta Sigma sorority. She met the man who would become her husband, in a college and professional group at Kenwood Methodist Church in Milwaukee, where she sang in the choir. John and Elinore were married on June 30, 1956, in Phillips, Wisconsin. Elinore worked as a teacher for the Milwaukee Public Schools until the arrival of her children.
The Leans were residents of Glendale for 57 years, before moving to Newcastle Place in Mequon. Elinore worked as a substitute teacher for Glendale-River Hills schools for many years. She also substituted in several schools in Whitefish Bay. Elinore taught eighth grade at St. Eugene's in Fox Point, eventually finishing her teaching career as an ESL teacher for MATC. She was active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts when her children were young. She enjoyed taking road trips around the US with her husband and family. She enjoyed knitting prayer shawls for the church prayer shawl ministry.
Elinore was a devoted Christian, and member of the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay for over 50 years. Blessed with a beautiful alto voice, she sang in the chancel choir for many years, as well as the choir at Newcastle Place. Elinore also chaired the church rummage sale and served as president of the United Methodist Women.
Celebration of her life will be private. Memorials can be directed to the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay music program, 819 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay 53217, or to a charity of the donor's choosing.
